Cheap/Crafty Oil Cooler question. - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Asterisked Accolade · 04-07-2013, 12:07 PM

I was thinking of getting an oil cooler, however they can be a bit pricey. Transmission coolers however, are all over the place and cheap. I was wondering if it would be a good (or bad) idea to use a transmission cooler as an oil cooler. Would the transmission cooler tubing be too narrow/restrictive for oil?

Thanks.

Huehuecoyotl · 04-07-2013, 12:23 PM

This question is why a professionally engineered solution may bring more peace of mind. I dont know the answer either.

Wonderbar · 04-07-2013, 01:08 PM

Well, if the cooler is designed/capable for the same fluids, temps , pressure and flow rate then it should be ok.

When you spend the big bucks on a name brand one, you are getting someone to blame if the part fails, and you get a shiny name tag to go with it.

I personally like the Perrin one, you get the sandwich plate, really nice hoses and a/n fittings which are all anodized.

Asterisked Accolade · 04-07-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wonderbar

Well, if the cooler is designed/capable for the same fluids, temps , pressure and flow rate then it should be ok.

When you spend the big bucks on a name brand one, you are getting someone to blame if the part fails, and you get a shiny name tag to go with it.

I personally like the Perrin one, you get the sandwich plate, really nice hoses and a/n fittings which are all anodized.

Is there a way to discern whether or not a said trans cooler is capable of these such variables?

Wonderbar · 04-07-2013, 07:32 PM

He'll I dunno, compare its specs with that of one of the purpose built ones.

D1cker · 04-07-2013, 09:56 PM

If you're trying to spend the least possible, go buy a CX racing core, it's like $80.

WillRacer1jz · 04-07-2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D1cker

If you're trying to spend the least possible, go buy a CX racing core, it's like $80.

I wouldn't buy from them if it was one dollar!!!

bpracer · 04-07-2013, 11:29 PM

I'm pretty sure a typical "round tube snaking through a field of fins" is not that efficient for their size. There is not that much real cooling surface area in those coolers.

The tube size is probably not that big either. It is probably smaller than a -10 AN fitting. I have not seen trans coolers that use anything bigger than a 1/2" (-8AN) line. That is too small and would be very restrictive.

plucas · 04-07-2013, 11:45 PM

I can tell you first hand, do not go cheap. Cheap means you will get a cheap core and cheap manufacturing. In my opinion do it right the first time. Depending on the size you want, I can recommend something and might not be custom. If you want -12AN and a smaller size, I would recommend a C&R Part#: 41-00001

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04-07-2013, 09:56 PM	#6
D1cker Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: B9 S4/ND2 Location: Fullerton, CA Posts: 522 Thanks: 190 Thanked 182 Times in 106 Posts Mentioned: 21 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	If you're trying to spend the least possible, go buy a CX racing core, it's like $80.

04-07-2013, 11:45 PM	#9
plucas Join Date: Jan 2013 Drives: Subaru Location: Everywhere Posts: 185 Thanks: 117 Thanked 227 Times in 103 Posts Mentioned: 32 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	I can tell you first hand, do not go cheap. Cheap means you will get a cheap core and cheap manufacturing. In my opinion do it right the first time. Depending on the size you want, I can recommend something and might not be custom. If you want -12AN and a smaller size, I would recommend a C&R Part#: 41-00001

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